Answer: D
In triangle \( \triangle ABC \), \( ED \parallel AB \) [since both are perpendicular to BC], and \( E \) is the midpoint of \( AC \). \(\therefore\) \( D \) is the midpoint of \( BC \). \(\therefore\) \( BD = \frac{1}{2} \times BC = 12 \) cm.
In triangle \( \triangle ABC \), \( ED \parallel AB \) [since both are perpendicular to BC], and \( E \) is the midpoint of \( AC \). \(\therefore\) \( D \) is the midpoint of \( BC \). \(\therefore\) \( BD = \frac{1}{2} \times BC = 12 \) cm.